President Ronald Reagan Park in Gdansk, Poland

The President Ronald Reagan Park in Gdansk commemorates the role of the former U.S. president in the fall of communism in Poland. Together with Pope John Paul II, they are seen by Poles as two important persons for making this happen.

The statues in the park are modelled on a famous photograph taken by Scott Stewart of the Associated Press when the Pope and President Reagan met in Miami in 1987. The engraving in Polish reads ‘Grateful for the independence of Poles’.

In the 55,5 ha large park you can find different playgrounds, a skatepark and an open air gym. It has a walking path and cycling path which leads to the beach in Gdansk. The President Ronald Reagan Park is a popular destination for a picnic and a meeting place of the locals.

Location: Piastowska, 80-366 Gdańsk, Poland.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Indoor Playground Allgäulino in Germany

Allgäulino is a large indoor playground, situated in the region of Bavaria in Germany. The playground is a great place for children from 3 to 12 and is an ideal stopover at rainy days.

Allgäulino has a size of 3000 square metres, you can find here a big climbing park, lots of bouncy castles, trampolines and electric cars. You can also get a meal here and it has a large seating area for parents.

Location: Alpenstraße 20, 87497 Wertach, Germany.

Website: allgaeulino.de

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Malbork Castle: Europe's Majestic Medieval Marvel

In the heart of northern Poland, along the picturesque banks of the Nogat River, stands Malbork Castle, an awe-inspiring testament to medieval architectural prowess and the indomitable spirit of the Teutonic Knights. Known as "Marienburg" in German, Malbork Castle is not merely a fortress; it is a colossal symbol of the order's military might, grandeur, and enduring legacy.

The history of Malbork Castle dates back to the 13th century when the Teutonic Knights, a medieval crusading order, established it as their fortress and monastic complex. Over the centuries, it underwent expansion and transformation, eventually becoming one of the most massive brick castles in the world.

 

What immediately captures the imagination is the sheer scale of Malbork Castle. Its high walls, imposing towers, and intricate defensive features are a testament to medieval engineering ingenuity. The castle complex comprises multiple wings, courtyards, and chambers, each with its unique purpose, from housing knights to storing provisions.

 

The stunning High Castle, with its mighty walls and towers, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Nogat River and the town of Malbork. It's a testament to the castle's strategic location and its role in guarding the medieval trade routes.

 

The medieval ambiance of Malbork Castle is further enhanced by its picturesque courtyards, lush gardens, and the peaceful riverbanks. Visitors can stroll through these serene spaces, imagining the castle as it once was during the medieval era.

 

Malbork Castle's historical significance extends beyond its architectural marvels. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant reminder of the Teutonic Knights' complex history, which includes their conversion efforts and military campaigns in the Baltic region

 

The centerpiece of Malbork Castle is the Grand Master's Palace, an architectural gem adorned with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its interiors are a captivating blend of elegance and grandeur, featuring ornate ceilings, intricate woodwork, and medieval artifacts. The castle also houses an impressive collection of medieval weaponry and armor, allowing visitors to step into the world of the Teutonic Knights.

 

Today, Malbork Castle welcomes visitors from around the world, inviting them to explore its labyrinthine passages, admire its Gothic splendor, and delve into the medieval past of northern Europe. A visit to Malbork Castle is not just a journey through time; it's an opportunity to marvel at the monumental achievements of medieval builders and the enduring legacy of the Teutonic Knights.

 

Location: Starościńska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland
Website: www.zamek.malbork.pl/en

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Bokrijk Open Air Museum

Bokrijk's Open Air Museum in Belgium lets you experience how life was on the Flemish countryside in the past. The museum has over hundred buildings that have been restored to their original condition. Divided over 90ha, you can find here buildings from rural and urban life. Each year a number of events are held here with actors that bring the museum to life.

Since 2014, Bokrijk's Open Air Museum has also a section devoted to life in the 60s. Here you can find buildings with typical interiors of that era and different collection pieces that will bring you back to the sixties.

A stopover at Bokrijk can also be combined with a visit to the playground, the arboretum or the Cycling Through Water trail

Location: Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium.

Website: www.bokrijk.be/en

Search location on Beautiful Places Map